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Curtis Samuel caught 2-of-4 targets for 72 yards and one score in the Panthers' Week 17 victory over the Saints.

Samuel "slowly progressed" through OTAs and eventually ended up missing the team's first month of action. Even so, the former No. 40 overall pick scored six all-around touchdowns, including 37/422/4 receiving. Samuel peaked from Cam Newton's inability to throw downfield over the final month of the season, seeing 40 targets over five performances in December. With Devin Funchess headed to free agency in 2019, the Panthers expect to open the new year with first-rounder D.J. Moore and Samuel headlining the team's receiving corps. The second-year pro will be a trendy late-round selection with sneaky upside in 2019. Sun, Dec 30, 2018 06:47:00 PM

With Taylor Heinicke working the short passing game, Samuel tied Christian McCaffrey for the team lead in targets on high-percentage throws. Samuel will close out the season in a tougher Week 17 matchup against the Saints. Sun, Dec 23, 2018 04:55:00 PM

Curtis Samuel caught 1-of-4 targets for 17 yards and rushed twice for eight yards in the Panthers' Week 15 loss to the Saints.

Christian McCaffrey led the Panthers in receiving with an 8-67 line and also threw a 50-yard touchdown to backup TE Chris Manhertz on a trick play. Outside of them, Jarius Wright was the Panthers' leading receiver with 21 yards on three grabs. Samuel had been one of the Panthers' best players the previous four weeks and has a nice spot next week at home versus Atlanta. Mon, Dec 17, 2018 11:49:00 PM

The 80-yard game was Samuel's second straight. He could have had a much bigger day, but Cam Newton woefully underthrew him on a potential deep score. Samuel has stayed involved following Devin Funchess' return, drawing at least eight targets each of the past two weeks. The Panthers are focusing on their playmakers with Newton's shoulder aching. The Saints are on deck for Week 15. Sun, Dec 9, 2018 05:22:00 PM

Depth Charts

ESPN Panthers reporter David Newton speculates Cam Newton could sit out the entire 2019 season if he undergoes another shoulder operation.

It's pure speculation, and not particularly informed, though owner David Tepper also casually mentioned the possibility of Newton sitting out in 2019. "If you told me he took a year off and could recover and be fully recovered and everything else, and that's what it took, an extra year, why wouldn't you do that," Tapper asked rhetorically on Tuesday. At least as of January, that scenario does not seem particularly likely. Newton is opting for rest and rehab before deciding on his second operation in three years.

Panthers QB Taylor Heinicke had surgery to repair a "partially" torn triceps on his left (non-throwing) arm.

Our most recent blurb on Heinicke stated he did not require surgery, so something changed in the intervening week. Heinicke was injured early in his first career start in Week 16. The exclusive rights free agent could end up missing some of the offseason program but is not a long-term concern. Heinicke should face competition to keep the primary backup job behind Cam Newton.

It's not a given Olsen returns in '19 since the next stage of his career obviously entails broadcasting. Unless a bullish contract sweeps him off his feet (which is certainly a possibility), it sounds as if he'll return with a healthy Cam Newton in 2019. Unlike last offseason, Olsen finally underwent foot surgery recently and should make a full recovery for camp. His next season would likely be the last of his illustrious career.

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